Tuesday, June 7, 2011

But if I've gone to the trouble or expense of arranging flowers for my home, I like them to last awhile. And I've discovered a simple way to make that happen. Let me show you.

These are hydrangeas that I picked on Thursday, May 26 and arranged for my son's graduation party. I took this photo on Saturday, May 28, during the party:

And here's a picture of those very same hydrangeas taken yesterday, June 6:

Can you believe it? 12 days and still going strong! As you can see, some of the greenery is turning yellow, but the blooms are still beautiful.

Of course you know to pick flowers in the cool of the morning while they're perky, to cut their stems at an angle, to remove most of the leaves, and to place them in water immediately. But here's a tip for really making them last:

**Add a few drops of household bleach to the water.**

That's it! It doesn't take much--I plop in just about 3-4 drops per quart of water. The flowers pictured here are held in six vases of water, and one capful of Clorox bleach was plenty for all six vases.

I've heard the bleach thing before, but I've never tried it. Your hydrangeas are the proof that it works. Twelve days? That's amazing! I'll definitely do this next time I have flowers. Thanks, Richella!

Wow! I've never heard of adding bleach to the water - I've always heard that sugar will extend their life, but it doesn't seem to want to work for me.Next time I splurge on flowers I will definitely try out your bleach suggestion!! Thankyou!

I've heard of adding bleach, but I've never tried it. Next time I will since the proof is in the pictures! I've heard adding Sprite helps too (sugar) and I've done that, but never paid much attention to if it worked or not. Sadly, all plants that come in contact with me die pretty soon thereafter. I have a black thumb.

wow!!! i'm going to try this!!! although it will be another month before my hydrangeas bloom! i have done everything from snipping the stems in half to even dipping the stems in boiling water...this sounds way easier!!!

Did you know if you continue to leave them in until the water evaporates, you will have dried hydrangeas and they will keep a long time. They get a little fragile when dried. The petals are so small.--Beth

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Child of God, apprentice to Jesus, wife of a great guy, and mom of three wonderful sons, I'm a blessed and profoundly grateful woman. I'm also a writer and speaker, and I serve on the Ministry Team and Board of Directors of Renovaré, a ministry dedicated to Christian spiritual formation.

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